Smashing Magazine’s Reading App Shuts Down

In a surprising turn of events, “Smashing,” the reading curation app created by Goodreads founder Otis Chandler, is shutting down. This announcement marks the end of a brief but ambitious attempt to revolutionize how people discover and consume online content. TechCrunch reported on April 16, 2025, that the service will cease operations, leaving users and industry observers pondering the reasons behind its closure.

What Was Smashing and Why Did It Close?

Smashing aimed to be a hub for high-quality reading material, curated for users based on their interests. While the exact reasons for the shutdown remain somewhat vague, several factors likely contributed to its demise. The article suggests challenges in user adoption and retention, as well as the inherent difficulty in competing in a crowded market of content aggregators and social reading platforms. The app faced an uphill battle trying to carve out a niche against established players and changing user habits.

Impact on Users and the Future of Reading Apps

The closure of Smashing is undoubtedly a disappointment for its user base, who appreciated its focus on quality and curation. It also raises questions about the future of reading apps in general. While the market is saturated, there remains a demand for platforms that can effectively filter and deliver valuable content. Future reading apps will need to innovate in areas such as personalization, community building, and content discovery to succeed.

Insights from the TechCrunch Report

According to TechCrunch, Smashing had potential but struggled to gain traction. The article delves into the challenges of building a successful reading app, highlighting the importance of user experience, content strategy, and marketing. The Smashing’s failure underscores the competitive nature of the digital landscape and the need for constant adaptation and innovation. As of April 16, 2025, the app’s website redirects to a brief shutdown notice, signaling the end of its journey.